Tim Redigolo

Lewis Hamilton fought back to finish second at the British Grand Prix in front of another sell-out crowd at Northamptonshire’s Silverstone circuit.

More than 140,000 fans packed the stands to see the reigning champion, and the only British driver in the race, begin the day in pole position after he set a track record time in qualifying on Saturday.

“I know there are great minds at work to ensure, hopefully, that it does stay here and if it doesn’t then that would be like taking Concorde away - having something amazing and then suddenly it’s not there anymore.

According to Phil, part of the circuit’s appeal lies in the fact it’s purpose-built to accommodate large crowds, like the ones seen every year at Silverstone.

“If you look at the facilities, look at the infrastructure, look at the way 140,000 people got in and got out, and the fact it doesn’t disturb too many people because there aren’t houses built around here - there are around Brands Hatch.

“So I think that it is inconceivable that there wouldn’t be a Silverstone British Grand Prix.”

One alternative to Silverstone is a street race in London, an idea former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg was not totally against.

“Of course London would be epic,” said Rosberg. “But this place is awesome and if it’s London that’s an unbelievable thing.”

On what pleased him the most about Silverstone, the German said: “The history behind it, the track being really fast, and the fans.”

As ever the British Grand Prix was a star-studded event. Pictured among the usual F1 suspects like David Coulthard, Johnny Herbert, Jenson Button and Sir Jackie Stewart were a number of celebrities.